A behind-the gates look at Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve, operated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in southwestern San Diego County. It sports large, open grasslands provide foraging habitat for abundant and diverse raptor species, coastal sage scrub habitat valuable for numerous sensitive species, and willow-sycamore riparian areas providing nesting habitat and water sources for wildlife.
The adventure begins and ends at Marina Village Conference Center! If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. Lunch is included with this trip. The start time of this trip indicates the time the bus intends to leave. Please plan accordingly.
Drop in for a continental breakfast and coffee before your field trip departs.
Some of the items we offer:
Assorted fruit
Assorted pastries
Assorted spreads
Yogurt
Cereal
Oatmeal
Coffee- regular and decaf
Hot water for tea
If your field trip comes with a sack lunch, you must pick it up in the Marine Room before the field trip departs. Lunches that are not picked up by 8:00 am will be considered unclaimed and may be redistributed.
This is the field session that goes with the Friday workshop "The Art and Science of Bird Photography"
Why does one bird photograph stop you in your tracks while another—technically perfect—elicit a tepid response. My talk will bridge the aesthetics of photography with cutting edge neuroscience, and we will discover what makes a bird photograph not just good, but unforgettable. Understanding the 'why' behind the 'what' will transform how you see, compose, and create.
We'll meet in the parking lot for the Bayshore Bikeway.
Discover the birds of the Tijuana River Valley! Join us as we explore some of the most renowned birding hotspots in the southern part of the county, guided by expert birders. We’ll visit key areas known for their rich variety of species, offering a mix of waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and passerines. Some exciting sightings from previous trips include Brant, Heermann's Gull, Tri-colored Blackbird and Black-throated Magpie Jay.
This field trip is a bus tour, starting and ending at Marina Village Conference Center. If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. Lunch is included with this trip. The start time of this trip indicates the time the bus intends to leave. Please plan accordingly.
Join us for an action-packed birding adventure across one of the nation's birdiest places—San Diego County! With the goal to spot 100 species (or more) in a single day, this fast-paced field trip is designed to give you the thrill of high-volume birding. From shorebirds to raptors, you’ll be immersed in the excitement of spotting some of the region's most common species, while keeping an eye out for rare surprises. Don’t miss this ultimate birding challenge! This trip is all about volume, pushing you to have your biggest birding day ever.
The adventure begins and ends at Marina Village Conference Center. If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. Lunch is included with this trip. The start time of this trip indicates the time the bus intends to leave. Please plan accordingly.
The adventure begins and ends at Marina Village Conference Center. If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. Lunch is included with this trip. The start time of this trip indicates the time the bus intends to leave. Please plan accordingly.
Discover the birds of the Tijuana River Valley! Join us as we explore some of the most renowned birding hotspots in the southern part of the county, guided by expert birders. We’ll visit key areas known for their rich variety of species, offering a mix of waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and passerines. Some exciting sightings from previous trips include Brant, Heermann's Gull, Tri-colored Blackbird and Black-throated Magpie Jay.
This field trip is a bus tour, starting and ending at Marina Village Conference Center. If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. Lunch is included with this trip. The start time of this trip indicates the time the bus intends to leave. Please plan accordingly.
Join us for an action-packed birding adventure across one of the nation's birdiest places—San Diego County! With the goal to spot 100 species (or more) in a single day, this fast-paced field trip is designed to give you the thrill of high-volume birding. From shorebirds to raptors, you’ll be immersed in the excitement of spotting some of the region's most common species, while keeping an eye out for rare surprises. Don’t miss this ultimate birding challenge! This trip is all about volume, pushing you to have your biggest birding day ever!
The adventure begins and ends at Marina Village Conference Center, with breakfast served before our early morning departure. If you are staying at the Dana, a free shuttle will be available to take you from the hotel to Marina Village from 5:30 am until 7:30 am. Breakfast is available in the Marine Room from 5:30 to 7:30. Please drop by and enjoy some breakfast with us. Lunch is included with this trip. The start time of this trip indicates the time the bus intends to leave. Please plan accordingly.
Join Professional Photographer Krisztina Scheeff / KS Nature Photography for a look at the amazing courtship behaviors of Western and Clark's Grebes...and other species that live on the lakes in North County San Diego.
You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip. Meeting location will be shared by Krisztina before the trip. What to bring: binoculars, water, snack if you like, camera if you like, and your happy self. Other gear: hat, sunscreen, bug spray (some days there are little tiny flies like to visit the water’s edge). Please wear comfortable shoes, hiking boots are ideal. Walk is on flat paved road with a short walk on sand to the shore, about 2 mile round trip. We will walk slow, birding and taking photos as we go.
Experience the breathtaking La Jolla Cove coastline, where birds and sea mammals thrive along the rugged shores. This outing offers views of birds that prefer rocky outcroppings, such as Surfbirds and Wandering Tattlers. It is also an excellent opportunity to see pelagic birds from land. Some exciting sightings from previous trips include Black Oystercatcher, Black-vented Shearwater, and Pelagic Cormorant. Participants are encouraged to bring a spotting scope or borrow one to fully take in the spectacular coastal wildlife.
You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip. Lunch is not provided.
San Diego is famous for its pelagic birding, where you can see species not usually visible from land with some of the most knowledgeable pelagic birders around! This trip is great for folks who want to add to their life list, learn more about identifying birds on the open water.
The group will meet in the Starboard room for some important information sharing prior to the trip. The group will then walk approximately 0.25 mile to the Marina, on flat sidewalk, to board the boat.
Tecolote Canyon is one of several protected urban canyons in the San Diego area. It was once home to the Kumeyaay people, who named it for the small owls found there. Now managed by the City of San Diego, it features several miles of trails, native plants and wildlife.
Birds that are here for the entire year include hawks, Anna’s Hummingbird, California Thrasher, House Wren, Wrentit, and both California and Spotted Towhees.
Expect a moderate walk with some uneven ground, as well as slight uphills. Restrooms are available in the Nature Center.
We will meet in the parking lot for the Tecolote Canyon Nature Center. You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip.
Learn some basics and then venture out towards the marina to look for birds to draw!
Experience birds from a completely different point of view, and learn about the restoration efforts in South Bay. Join us for a peaceful and immersive birding kayak trip in San Diego Bay, one of the most biodiverse coastal ecosystems in Southern California. As we paddle through the calm waters of the bay, we'll have the chance to observe a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat. All while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding wetlands, tidal flats and nearby wildlife refuges. In late February, the bay is teeming with resident and migratory birds preparing for spring breeding. Keep your eyes peeled for Brant geese and Northern Pintails swimming in the shallows while American Wigeons and Northern Shovelers often forage along the edges. Shorebirds like Black-bellied Plovers and Western Sandpipers can be spotted probing the mudflats for food. The majestic Double-crested Cormorants and Brown Pelicans glide over the water. You might also catch a glimpse of Great Blue Herons hunting along the shoreline. This kayak trip provides a unique vantage point for observing these birds up close in a serene environment. Kayak experience not necessary!
You must provide your own transportation to and from the meeting place for this trip.
Join us for Birding & Biking at Mission Bay, one of San Diego's most popular and scenic birding locations. This unique event combines the joy of birdwatching with the fun of cycling, as we explore the lush coastal habitat of Mission Bay on two wheels. Starting at Marina Village, we'll bike along the network of paths that wind through the bay's diverse ecosystems, from saltwater marshes to mudflats, and open water. Mission Bay is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Along the ride, you'll have the opportunity to spot Black-Necked Stilts wading along the shoreline, Western Sandpipers and Least Sandpipers foraging in the mudflats, and the graceful Snowy Egret and Great Egret hunting for fish in the shallows. As we cycle through the area, look out for large flocks of California Gulls and Ring-Billed Gulls that often gather in the open spaces. During migratory seasons, you may also spot Elegant Terns and Forester's Terns skimming across the water or resting on the sandbars. Cormorants and pelicans are frequent visitors to the bay, so keep your eyes peeled for them! Additionally, Osprey are often seen soaring above, scouting the waters for prey, while Red Tailed Hawks may be spotted perched high on nearby trees or gliding over the bay. Whether you're an avid cyclist or a beginner, this event offers a perfect blend of birdwatching and outdoor adventure. So, bring your binoculars, and your enthusiasm for nature as we enjoy the beauty of Mission Bay and the incredible variety of birdlife it supports.
This field trip includes use of a bicycle and a helmet. If you have your own bike, please sign up for the Birding by Bike (BYOBike)
Join us for Birding & Biking at Mission Bay, one of San Diego's most popular and scenic birding locations. This unique event combines the joy of birdwatching with the fun of cycling, as we explore the coastal habitat of Mission Bay on two wheels. Starting at Marina Village, we'll bike along the network of paths that wind through the bay's diverse ecosystems, from saltwater marshes to mudflats, and open water. Mission Bay is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Along the ride, you'll have the opportunity to spot Black-Necked Stilts wading along the shoreline, Western Sandpipers and Least Sandpipers foraging in the mudflats, and the graceful Snowy Egret and Great Egret hunting for fish in the shallows. As we cycle through the area, look out for large flocks of California Gulls and Ring-Billed Gulls that often gather in the open spaces. During migratory seasons, you may also spot Elegant Terns and Forester's Terns skimming across the water or resting on the sandbars. Cormorants and pelicans are frequent visitors to the bay, so keep your eyes peeled for them! Additionally, Osprey are often seen soaring above, scouting the waters for prey, while Red Tailed Hawks may be spotted perched high on nearby trees or gliding over the bay. Whether you're an avid cyclist or a beginner, this event offers a perfect blend of birdwatching and outdoor adventure. So, bring your binoculars, and your enthusiasm for nature as we enjoy the beauty of Mission Bay and the incredible variety of birdlife it supports.
If you sign up for this version of the field trip, you must bring your own bike and helmet.
A walk with Opticron's Chip Clouse and the Friends of Famosa Slough for birding and to learn about the extraordinary continuing effort of the local community to save this urban oasis for birds. Famosa Slough is located in the heart of urban San Diego between Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Ocean Beach. This marine protected area sits within a remnant 30-acre wetland. Famosa Slough, a narrow 12-acre natural channel connecting the San Diego River estuary and the Pacific Ocean, allows tidal salt water to mix with fresh water from the local watershed to form a unique estuarine environment. During high tides, larval marine fish and invertebrates are able to enter the wetland. Calm, protected, brackish water provides habitat for fish, crustaceans, and plants. Because it is a significant feeding and resting site for ducks, herons, terns, and a multitude of shorebirds, birdwatching is popular here. Participants will want to bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks if you want them.
Much of the area is viewable from a flat dirt, accessible area. The dirt paths around parts of the slough are not all easily accessed using wheel chairs or other mobility assisting devices. There are no restroom facilities at the Famosa Slough. The Slough is located at 4275 West Point Loma Blvd. San Diego 92107. We will meet on the side walk in front of the viewing area on the south side of West Point Loma BLVD. Park on the street. It is a busy street so cross carefully.
Learn more about Famosa Slough and Friends of Famosa Slough in this KPBS news story.
Join representatives from Swarovski Optik for a walk around Marina Village Conference Center, looking for native birds. They know the birds and will have optics for you to try.
Come enjoy a friendly and inclusive bird outing at Ventura/Bonita Cove! This event is designed for people of all ages and abilities, and no prior birding experience is necessary. All are welcome!
We'll be holding a stationary birding session from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Our group will be located near the restrooms on the southeast side of the park. This is a drop-in event, so feel free to come and go whenever you'd like. Our focus will be on observing birds from this central location, but participants are welcome to take advantage of the entire area for their own exploration.
What to know about the site:
What to bring (optional):
Our goal is to create a welcoming and comfortable space for everyone. If you have any questions about the event, including access, please let us know in advance.
Drop in to see our exhibitors from Birding Business! We have two exhibit halls open: The Bayview room and the Dockside room.
Bayview exhibitors:
ABA
Opticron
Zeiss
Birds & Nature Portugal
The Biggest Week in American Birding
KS Nature Photography
Valley Nature Center
Kowa
Holbrook Travel
Hunt's Photo and Video
Aggressor Adventures
Red Hill Birding
Hawke Optics
Canopy Family
Swarovski Optik
Kite Optics
Neblina Forest
Rockjumper Worldwide Expeditions
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours
Wild Birds Unlimited
Land Sea and Sky
Sabrewing Nature Tours
Icaro Birding
Vortex
Magview Digiscoping
Dockside exhibitors:
Avian Behavior Conservancy
FM Roberts Publications
Christina Baal
Trogon Tours
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival
Beakwings
Birding Uganda Safaris
Beaumont and Port Arthur CVBs
Jaggar Design
Jackpots Pottery
Canyonlands
Wild Delight
Do you have burning questions about birds you've always wanted answer? Who better to answer them than our 2026 keynote speakers.
Join Free Flight staff (and some of their resident ambassador parrots!) for an introductory discussion on all things parrot! Over the course of 45 minutes, this family-friendly discussion will touch on a wide variety of topics, like "what makes a bird part of the parrot family?" and "how have parrots adapted to live in so many different habitats around the world?." Time will also be spent on parrot-themed topics closer to home for local San Diegans, such as "why are there parrots in San Diego,?" "what is it really like to live with a companion parrot?," "how and why can parrots talk like people?," and most importantly, "what can YOU do to help parrots around the world?" There will be plenty of time for Q&A, and time to say hello to the birds, too!
Description TBD
Did you know? Global insect populations are in decline. This presentation explores the relationship between insects and birds, emphasizing how declining insect numbers threaten bird species that rely on them for food, especially during breeding and migration seasons. We will examine the impact of habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change on both insect and bird populations. We will also hear some success stories and learn how we can help! Whether you're an avid birder or a concerned citizen, this presentation will provide valuable insights into the intertwined fates of insects and birds and what it means for everybody.
Description TBD
Description TBD
This is a meeting of the participants and leader of the Target Trip (Monday) to determine what we'll look for and where we'll look for it. Please sign up for this if you are signing up for the Monday Target Trip.
Come let your hair down with us and celebrate the close of another San Diego Bird Festival. We're transforming the Marine Room into a comedy club for a special performance by Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby, creators of the Extremely Accurate Bird Songs podcast! Relax in this little theater setting for an evening of wild bird entertainment that is...Extremely Accurate. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
Tommy Siegel (Jukebox the Ghost) and Billy Libby (Ingrid Michaelson) are two world-touring musicians on a daring quest: to write a song about *every* bird species and document the process in podcast form — Since there are only 11,145, it shouldn’t be too tough!
The result is “Extremely Accurate Bird Songs“ a comedy/nature podcast. In each episode, Tommy and Billy do an irreverent (but largely factual…) deep dive on a bird, talking about its plumage, mating habits, general music nerdery relating to the song’s genre, and more. Episodes end with the worldwide debut of an original, bird-specific genre parody song meant to fully capture the bird’s unique essence and presented to a bird expert guest who weighs in on whether the song is *Extremely Accurate* (or not). Just wait until you hear the Alice in Chains grunge-metal of the American Crow… or the Fine Young Cannibals runway strut of the Red-winged Blackbird… or the psychedelic desert rock journey of the Gambel’s Quail…
About the hosts: Tommy Siegel is a singer/guitarist in the indie-pop band Jukebox the Ghost, as well as a cartoonist for the New Yorker Magazine and popular webcomics artist whose “Candy Hearts” series has spawned two books with Andrews McMeel. And more directly relevant to the podcast, Siegel’s illustrated “Extremely Accurate Birds” annual wall calendar is an internet staple and a popular gag gift for birders worldwide. Billy Libby is a touring musician with Ingrid Michaelson in addition to his career as an award-winning film, TV and podcast composer for outlets such as Time Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, several Gimlet media podcasts, and Apple TV’s Slumberkins, among others.
Drawing on their nature-heavy friendship, “Extremely Accurate Bird Songs” is an irreverent, silly, and educational nature podcast for nature lovers, experienced birders, or music fans who are bird-curious. Early guest judges on the podcast include well-known faces in the birding world – Rosemary Mosco (Bird and Moon, The Birding Dictionary), Bonner Black (www.instagram.com/bonnerblack), Professor Dan Baldassarre (@evornithology), and Ellen Weatherford (Just the Zoo of Us).
Apple Podcast review highlights:
“The Wayne and Garth of Birding… hilarious AND wholesome!”
“This podcast really has it all: two buds geeking out to birds? Check. Neat, well-written and recorded tribute songs to each bird? CHECK.”
“The podcast is extremely accurate, the music is outstanding, and it’s just the right level of bird-nerdiness”
“I look forward to every episode like it’s Christmas! The perfect blend of fun, factual, intellectual, and irreverent!”
Extremely Accurate Bird Songs is available anywhere you listen to podcasts:
https://lnk.to/extremelyaccuratebirdsongs
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/tommysiegel
Podcast instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/extremelyaccuratebirds
Patreon:
www.patreon.com/extremelyaccuratebirdsongs